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School Talk
SUMMER 2016
“This school district
is second to none.”
— Retiring Superintendent Dan Hoverman
ALSO INSIDE: BOARD NAMES CHRIS LENNOX NEW SUPERINTENDENT • START TIMES REVIEW
Honoring Dan Hoverman
A
t a March School Board meeting, Dan Hoverman
announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2015-16
school year, after 41 years at Mounds View and nine years
as Superintendent.
“This has been a very special place to work, and I am
so grateful for the incredible people that I have had the
opportunity to work with over the years,” said Hoverman.
“This school district is second to none, and I am so thankful
to everyone who has played a role in making that possible for
our students.”
“Great schools make for great
communities, and Dan’s efforts
have strengthened both.”
— Sandy Martin, mayor of Shoreview
Under his leadership, Hoverman has championed a variety
of efforts to enhance the personalization of public school
education through innovation and data-driven decisionmaking. As Superintendent, he launched a comprehensive
effort aimed at post-secondary success for all students,
including an Equity Promise which states that all students
will be prepared for success after high school regardless of
race, class or disability. Part of this initiative is Mounds View’s
award-winning, first-of-its-kind Early College program that
allows students in the academic middle the opportunity to
earn an associate degree on campus for free. Hoverman also
spearheaded an effort that enables all District juniors to take
the ACT exam onsite, free of charge. The District also has
On the cover:
Dan Hoverman
spoke to more
than 800
graduating seniors
at commencement
ceremonies in June.
Editors
Rachel Gutierrez
Colin Sokolowski
Designer
Susan Abbott
Photographers
Rachel Gutierrez
Greg Helgeson
Lifetouch
Hoverman shares a laugh with Joann Knuth, education consultant
and former Irondale parent.
provided every middle and high school student with an online
Personal Learning Plan.
This spring, more than 300 community members
attended an open house honoring Hoverman. To express its
gratitude for his impact on the school community, the School
Board adopted a resolution conferring upon Hoverman the
permanent title of Superintendent Emeritus. In addition,
the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation created
the Hoverman Family Scholarship, securing more than
$25,000 in contributions. These funds, aligned with the
District’s Equity Promise Scholarship Program, will provide
scholarships annually to graduating
seniors. (See page 6.)
Superintendent
Chris Lennox
2016 School Board
Bob Helgeson
Amy Jones
Greg Madsen
Marre Jo Sager
Jon Tynjala
Jonathan Weinhagen
Sandra Westerman
School Talk is published by Mounds View Public Schools, Independent School District 621.
Send correspondence to School Talk editor, 350 Highway 96 West, Shoreview, MN 55126,
e-mail rachel.gutierrez@moundsviewschools.org or call 651-621-6012.
Para asistencia en traducciones ó ayuda como intérprete, por favor comuníquese con Angel Toro
al 651-724-2854. Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau Mee Yang ntawm
651-724-0396. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad ah ama turjumaad, fadlan kala soo
xiriir, taleefanka 651-724-7482.
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www.moundsviewschools.org
“Dan’s legacy is one
of quiet, tireless and
effective leadership.
He will be truly
missed.”
— Jon Tynjala, School Board Vice Chair
and Irondale parent
“Teachers value stability, innovation, advocacy and
collaboration. Superintendent Hoverman has been
an unwavering example of all those attributes as the
leader of our schools. His impact will be present in
the work we do for many years to come, and we are
grateful for that.”
— Stacey Vanderport, Mounds View Education Association president
Mounds View
Education
Association
members honored
Hoverman at the
open house. L-R:
Stacey Vanderport,
current president;
Barb Kettering,
past president;
Sharon Kjellberg,
past president;
and Lee Porath,
past president.
“Superintendent Hoverman’s dedication to
education is what has allowed me to earn my
Associate of Arts degree while in high school!
I could not be more grateful for all of the
opportunities he has made possible for me.”
The Poepard family wishes the Superintendent
well: Ryan, Mounds View dean; Arwen, Island
Lake special education teacher; and Sarah and
Anna, Turtle Lake students.
“Great leadership requires
hard work, vision,
intelligence, kindness
and persistence. The
momentum of Dan’s skilled
direction will propel the
district and its students
into a bright future.”
— Stephen Yoch, Mounds View
Schools Education Foundation
Trustee and Mounds View parent
— Brooke Volkert, Irondale student, Class of 2016
“From environmental learning and
energy efficiency, to early college and
post-secondary planning for all students,
Dan has brought innovate leadership to
our schools that will stand the test of time.”
— Brian Strub, New Brighton City Council
and Bel Air parent
Staff members chat with Hoverman at the open house.
L-R: Melissa Lang; Turtle Lake teacher; Ryan Lang, Pike Lake
Kindergarten Center principal; Mary Roden, assistant director of
assessment; and Lindsey Boumgarden, Valentine Hills principal.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
3
A CLOSER LOOK
Successful succession planning
Chris Lennox named new Superintendent
Calling him “the best choice” at the April 12 School Board
meeting, the School Board appointed Chris Lennox as the
next superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools.
Lennox has been serving as the District’s assistant
superintendent of curriculum and instruction since July
2015. He came to Mounds View from Bloomington Public
Schools where he was assistant superintendent for three years.
Lennox previously served Stillwater Public Schools as assistant
superintendent of learning and instruction for four years and
as the high school principal for five years. Prior to joining
Stillwater, he was with South St. Paul Public Schools for eight
years in various capacities, including junior high principal
as well as dean of students, assistant principal and eventually
principal of the high school.
“Not only did the School Board make the
right choice, they made the best choice.”
— Dan Hoverman, Superintendent Emeritus
“The most important function of a school board is to hire
a superintendent, and succession planning has been a part of
our work for some time now,” said Amy Jones, Board Chair.
“When we hired Chris last year, we positioned the District
with a unique opportunity to see how he would perform
on a daily basis leading our schools by working alongside
Superintendent Hoverman. Watching Chris perform this
school year it became clear that he has the characteristics
necessary to find success as our next leader.”
The Board developed a series of criteria required of the next
superintendent. Among the desired characteristics:
• A visionary leader who is able to incorporate continuous
improvement into the school and community culture.
• Experience with and an understanding of operating
under a Policy Governance model.
• Ability to create a culture of respect that supports
diversity and a healthy and safe learning environment
for all students and staff.
• A collaborative consensus builder who delegates and
involves others in shared leadership.
4
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Chris Lennox (center) with School Board members Jonathan
Weinhagen and Greg Madsen.
• Ability to create and nurture valuable school and
community partnerships with all stakeholders in the
community.
“Chris not only matches these characteristics, but he also
has experience leading a metro school district of a similar
size, with similar demographics, and one that has two high
schools,” said Board member Jonathan Weinhagen. “He also
has a unique understanding of the processes, procedures and
culture of Mounds View Public Schools. We’re very fortunate
to be in this position where we feel confident that our best
choice for superintendent is already with us.”
In response, Lennox said he’s honored and ready to begin.
“I’m humbled and thrilled to be chosen for this
opportunity,” said Lennox. “Mounds View is an exceptional
district, and I’m fortunate to be here.”
Get to know him
As Chris Lennox assumes the role of Superintendent,
he’s anxious to introduce himself to the community
and listen to concerns, questions and perspectives.
Watch future issues of School Talk, and visit
www.moundsviewschools.org for upcoming opportunities
to meet him. To contact Lennox, call 651-621-6002 or
email christopher.lennox@moundsviewschools.org.
Getting to know you
‘Izzy’ events promote intentional cross-cultural interaction
It is a weeknight in March. School is out for the afternoon
but there is still a buzz of student voices throughout
Edgewood Middle School. Edgewood’s principal, Penny
Howard, says that it is not uncommon to find students in
the library, hallways and classrooms before and after school.
With a number of co-curricular offerings to choose from,
most students find a program, club or sport that brings
them to school early or keeps them there late. She says
these co-curricular connections are important and have an
impact on how students feel about their school, and their
overall success.
Seventh-grader Ignatius Ejofor is among the group of
students still at school on this particular March afternoon.
Ignatius participates in the school band and the STRIPES
program. He is also on the basketball, track, soccer and floor
hockey teams.
When Principal Howard says connectedness impacts
students’ overall success, she points to students like Ignatius.
“Not only is Ignatius involved in sports and enrichment
programs, he is also an academic excellence and honor roll
student. He is a shining example of a connected kid who
boasts academic success.”
was determined to bring that model to Edgewood. An
organization based on human-centered values, Marnita’s
Table brings people together for a meal and intentional crosscultural interaction. With the goal of breaking down barriers
and making everyone feel comfortable to participate, these
events are known to help facilitate important conversations
about education and other topics. “If we invite everyone to
the table and expand our stakeholder reach, we’ll be better
equipped for success,” says Xavier. “Both the school and the
community will benefit.”
“If we invite everyone to the table and expand
our stakeholder reach, we’ll be better
equipped for success. Both the school and
the community will benefit.”
— Xavier Reed, Integration and equity specialist
The first school-hosted “Izzy” in the District drew a crowd
of more than 130 community members including business
owners, former and current families, and community and
Breaking down barriers
church groups. Attendees gathered around tables to share
Integration and equity specialist Xavier Reed sees how
dinner and participate in organized conversation-starting
connectedness impacts student success and wants to extend
activities.
the sense of connectedness beyond the school walls. He
According to Tai Celestine-Lloyd, the Edgewood event was
enlisted Ignatius, along with other students and staff, to help
a success. Tai, who has three students at schools throughout
organize and host “We are all Edgewood” in March.
the District, said “Many times you see everyone sitting around
After experiencing Intentional Social Interaction events
and keeping to themselves at events.” Here, “the organized
(ISI — pronounced “izzy”) at Marnita’s Table, Xavier
activities brought everyone together.” She said that the games
and activities helped people start conversations and
connect in a way that they may not have otherwise
connected. According to Tai, all schools could benefit
from events like this.
“Turns out when you bring people together for
good food, conversations naturally begin,” says Penny
Howard. “It was fun to see our students facilitating
conversations and helping to ensure everyone felt
comfortable and engaged.” “Izzy” events are a costeffective human-centered way to bring together a
community of varied cultures and productively plan
and problem-solve.
Students Nick Nelson, Jonahvan Okoro, Michael Villota-Ospina, Bryce Baker,
Ignatius Ejiofor, Enis Avdiu and Kelechi Nwosu were among the 25 students
Edgewood and other schools throughout the
and staff members who helped plan and host the event.
District will also host similar events in 2016-2017.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
5
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Donors contribute $25,000 to
Hoverman Family Scholarship
The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation is pleased to report that in
just over six weeks nearly 200 donors made contributions totalling $25,000
in support of the Hoverman Family Scholarship — created in recognition of
Dan Hoverman’s retirement after 41 years of service to the Mounds View School
District. These funds, aligned with the District’s Equity Promise Scholarship
Program, will provide scholarships annually to graduating seniors.
Tim & Heather Meyer
Janet Smith
Colin & Shannon Mildenberger
Colin & Kelly Sokolowski
Gail Miller
Nancy Sorenson
Grace Mitchell
Mary Ellen Sparrow
Drew Mons & Megan Powers
Jason & Jen Sprain
Leo & Antoinette Monster
Mark & Cynthia Stange
Thanks to those who contributed to this effort and helped us achieve our goal
in providing a lasting tribute to Dan’s exceptional work on behalf of the students
in our schools.
Alan & Janet Montgomery
Dave & Marsha Stimpson
Mounds View Schools Early
Childhood Education Staff
Sue Stoner
Tom & Cathy Moynihan
Brian & Lisa Strub
Donna Nelson
Bruce & Mary Swenson
Lynn Nelson
Eric Tell
Paula Neuman
Larry & LaVon Tell
Carole Nielsen
Meredith Tharaldson
Sandy Oleson
Roger Thompson
Jim & Jill Ostlund
David & Muffy Tiede
Angie Peschel
Marsha Tofte
Pat St. Peter
Beverly Tri
Allan & Jan Petersen
Jon & Susie Tynjala
Bridget Peterson
Stacey Vanderport
Diana Phillippi
Wendy Voss
Laurie Pletscher
Joanne Waddington
Terry Quigley
Cheryl Wallin
Richard & Lorna Rademacher
Colleen Wambach
Erik & Janelle Rasmussen
Susan Wandell
Marcia Reed
John & Michele Ward
Rob Reetz
Jonathan & Nicki Weinhagen
Jeff & Karin Ridlehoover
Sandra & Dan Westerman
Patti Ries
David & Nancy Whitney
Jim Rosenow &
Mindy Handberg
Dawn Wiegand
Kristi Abbott
American Student
Transportation of
Mounds View
Jim Diffley &
Shelley St. Marie Diffley
Blake & Joy Huffman
Jessica & Todd Durand
Joelle Imholte
Rosemary Hunt
Daryl & Sharon Durheim
Marsha Andrusko
Innovational Concepts, Inc.
Sheila Eller
Anonymous (8)
Terry Jansen
RoAnne Elliott
Margaret Baker
Sharon Johnson
Bri Erickson
Alicia & Joe Baraga
Vicki Johnson
Patricia Erlandson
Sarah Bardal
Matt & Holly Ernst
Darin Johnson &
Stephanie Schwarz-Johnson
Joanne Bell
Nathan Flansburg
Jeff & Amy Jones
Jeanne Bengston
M. J. Flathmann
Anne Keirstead
Pete & Wendy Benson
Joe & Denise Fleming
Sharon Kjellberg
Gin Besser
Mike Fredrikson
Dan & Joann Knuth
Ann Bettenburg
Bob Freed & Miriam Zachary
Cindy Kucera
Sonia Bjorgen
Cindy Fyle
Joel and Nicole Kunza
Caleb Bjorklund
Scott Gengler
Kerrin Lahr
Bollum Family
Sally Gibson
Kathy Lampi
Lindsey Boumgarden
Lori Grivna
Ryan Lang
Karl & Heather Brown
Alex & Rachel Gutierrez
Jenifer Larson
Stephanie Bruggers
Howard Haas
David Law
Doug Bullinger
Ash & Ann Haase
Barbara Leary
Priscilla Campbell
Harvey & Nancy Hansen
Jeffrey Lee
Elizabeth Catterall
Elaine Hanson
Deborah Lehman
Benjamin Chiri
Nancy Haugen
David Leiser
Carol Cihlar
Jon & Deanna Heath
Chris Lennox
David Clough
Rupp, Anderson, Squires
& Waldspurger, P.A.
Nancy Hedman
Amanda Little
John & Nancy Conlin
Karen & Phil Saari
Robert & Joanne Helgeson
Jennifer Lodin
Continental Research
Beth Sabby
Greg & Susan Herder
Jennifer Loeck
Cox Insurance Associates
Frank & Marre Jo Sager
William & Judith Hill
Janet Loegering
Dennis & Debra Crampton
Wayne & Becky Sather
Ruth Hoffman
Greg & Ellie Madsen
Barry & Heidi Danielson
Kevin & Sally Schroeder
Molly Hollihan
Linda Madsen
Kirsten & Glen Dawson
John Schultz
Michael Holmgren
Jeff Martin
Jim DeMay & Channing Riggs
Rollie & Murt Seltz
Dan & Jean Hoverman
Sandy Martin
Jerry & Beth Dhennin
Katie Sentz
Penny Howard
Memory of E & E Andersons
Jeff & Lisa Sjobeck
6
SUMMER 2016
School Talk Richard Rosivach
Rodney Rowe
Andra Storla
Julie Wikelius
Jan Witthuhn
Shane Wood
Stephen & Andrea Yoch
Rebecca Young
Gretchen Zahn
Gretchen Zalewski
SCHOOL BOARD
Board to review
start times
2016 School Board
At the May 17 School Board meeting, the Board
reported it plans to review the District’s start times
policy. Goals for the process include: • Reviews and public discussion to begin in
fall 2016.
• A formal decision no later than February 2017.
• Implementation for fall 2017.
• A commitment to establishing new start times
that range from approximately 8 a.m. to
9:30 a.m.
“When we reviewed this issue in 2014, we agreed
with the medical evidence and research that later
Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala and Marre Jo Sager. Back row: Jonathan
high school start times would better align with teens’
Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman and Bob Helgeson.
unique sleep needs,” said Board chair Amy Jones.
“At the time, there were many interrelated issues
• A recent review of current and future transportation
that presented significant challenges — especially the
capabilities has been completed. Mounds View has
issue of facility constraints related to after-school activities.
negotiated a new transportation contract in which the
We’ve had a continuing interest in this issue, and our
District is partnering with multiple providers to provide
administration has continued to examine this.”
more flexibility.
New developments
Jones noted several new
developments have helped inform
the Board’s perspective about the
feasibility of altering start times.
“We now believe there are
some operational approaches
we can take that would allow us
to work through some barriers —
especially if facility improvements
can be made in the upcoming years
to address our growing enrollment,”
said Jones.
• An enrollment and housing study has confirmed the
District is experiencing a new trend of increasing
enrollment that is expected to continue for some time.
• As a result of increasing enrollment, a District-wide
facilities study will help determine the District’s current
capacities and future needs.
• The District also continues to examine the different
kinds of instructional spaces that could best serve
students in the future.
Time to adjust
Giving families time to adjust to upcoming changes
is a goal of the Board.
“This is an extremely complicated issue with
many variables that will affect all of our families
and our 11,000 students. This requires time,” said
Jones. “Beginning our reviews and public discussions
this fall will allow us the time necessary to fully
understand how an adjustment would affect all of our
communities — students, working parents, staff and
community groups.”
Current school start times
Tier 1: High Schools........................... 7:25 a.m. – 2:05 p.m.
Tier 2: Middle Schools....................... 8:05 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tier 3: Bel Air, Island Lake,
Sunnyside, Turtle Lake.......... 8:45 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
Tier 4: Pinewood and
Valentine Hills......................... 9:25 a.m. – 4:05 p.m.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
7
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Public Health Award recognizes garden project
Mounds View Public Schools was one of three organizations to receive
the Ramsey County Public Health Award in 2016. The annual award
recognized the exceptional contributions the District’s Everybody’s
Garden project has made to improve the health of individuals, families
and the community. The District’s community service coordinator, Greg
Herder, received the award at an April 5 meeting of the Ramsey County
Board of Commissioners.
Everybody’s Garden is a District-wide initiative that integrates food
insecurity education and community service with student-managed
school gardens that help stock the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf with
healthy organic produce. Last year, in the first full year of operation,
the 11 District gardens
produced 1.2 tons of fresh,
organic vegetables for the
Food Shelf.
Students Kingston Pham
and Ibrahim Jaber helped
build a bee motel near
Edgewood’s community garden.
Students from Edgewood’s
STAND (Students Taking A
New Direction) group visited
Sunnyside Elementary School
in May to work with thirdand fifth-graders to prepare
the school’s garden beds
for planting.
Ana Koepke (with help from classmate Sofia
Thompson) planted tomato plants in the Kindergarten
Center’s community garden at Snail Lake Education
Center.
Translation assistance
To learn more about District
programs and events featured
in this issue of School Talk in
Spanish, Hmong or Somali,
please call Angel Toro (Spanish) at
651-724-0396, Mee Yang (Hmong)
at 651-724-0396 or Ali Ali (Somali)
at 651-724-7482.
Haddii aad dooneysid faahfaahin
dheeraad ah oo ku saabsan
barnaamijyada lugu soo qoro
School Talk, ee ka baxa Iskuulada
Moundsview, fadlan la soo xiriis
Ali Ali: 651-724-7482.
8
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Para aprender mas sobre los
programas del Distrito Escolar y
de los eventos en esta edicion de
School Talk, llame a Angel Toro al
651-724-0396.
Yog xa paub ntau tshaj nov txog peb
lub District cov program thiab kev
sib sau ua ke ntawm peb cov tsev
kawm ntawv thiab niam txiv nrog rau
me nyuam kawm ntawv uas muaj
nyob rau hauv tsab ntawv School
Talk no, thov hu rau Mee Yang
ntawm 651-724-0396.
Save the date
The Mounds View Schools Education
Foundation will host this year’s Rock the
School House event on Saturday,
November 12 at 6 p.m. at Vadnais
Heights Commons. Tickets will go on sale
in September. If you are interested in
sponsorship opportunities, please contact
mindy.handberg@moundsviewschools.org.
If you would like to volunteer for this event,
contact mvsef@moundsviewschoolsef.org.
District Operational Plan
Each year, the School Board approves a series of goals
and related activities on which the Superintendent and
Cabinet will focus their work. This is known as the
District Operational Plan (DOP). Priority goals for
2016-17 include:
• Provide development for new administrative team
leaders by setting expectations around partnership,
professional culture and a commitment to the
Equity Promise.
• Enhance STEAM programming within the
District by focusing on facilities, programming
and curriculum, training and technology.
• Review current school start times at all levels and
develop options as appropriate based on
the findings of the review.
• Determine buildings’ capacities to absorb more
students and yet maintain optimum opportunities
for a healthy learning climate for 21st century
learning.
To view the entire DOP, please visit
www.moundsviewschools.org.
Plan your stay at Laurentian
Environmental Center
Planning a family reunion or group event? Consider
Laurentian Environmental Center (LEC) in Britt,
Minn. The Center can accommodate small and large
groups year-round with 160 beds, five large classroom
buildings, a lodge and a dining facility that seats 175.
LEC offers access to hundreds of acres of wilderness
with trout streams and diverse wildlife habitat. The
environmental center’s property includes access
to a 100-acre pristine lake and hiking/ski trails that
connect with the Big Aspen hiking and ski trails. LEC
maintains a 12-station Challenge Course, a 32-foot
outdoor climbing wall, a dogsled yard and trails, an
archery range, canoes and rowboats, a sauna, an outdoor
campfire theater and a large playing field. The on-site
dining facility serves healthy, homecooked meals from menus developed by
a dietician. Call 1-888-749-1288 or visit
www.laurentiancenter.org
for more information.
Irondale grads head back to elementary school
Irondale High School seniors headed back to their elementary schools in
celebration of graduation this year. Bel Air, Pinewood (pictured below) and
Sunnside Elementary schools all received a visit from Irondale seniors.
Bel Air Elementary School students lined the
hallways in May to collect high fives from the
Irondale graduating class, and celebrate the postsecondary plans of students who took the same
elementary path that they are taking.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
9
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Physics Fairs
Hundreds of high school students participated in Physics Fairs
this spring. Parents, community members and support from
the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation have helped
grow the program to include a display of students’ engineering
work and also introduce students to studies and careers related
to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
The 19th annual Mounds View High School Physics Fair
included hundreds of students and welcomed hundreds of
attendees.
Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview for a video
recap of the Mounds View High School Physics Fair.
The Wizard of Oz at Pinewood
For the second year, third- through fifth-graders of the
Pinewood Elementary School Performing Arts Club
transported hundreds of parents, students and community
members to another place and time with their colorful
presentation of the 1930s classic,The Wizard of Oz.
The performance included strobe lights, smoke, fire
barrels, a real-time melting witch and a seven-foot-tall
animated portrait of Oz.
A cast and crew of 76 students brought the magic of Oz to life,
directed by District field technician Matthew Anderson, fourth
grade teachers Jenika Boersma and Angie Coldren, and the
school’s PTA president Jen Parlin.
Irondale High School’s 13th annual Physics Fair took
place in conjunction with the eighth annual STEM (science,
technology, engineering, math) career fair. Students and parents
had an opportunity to meet with representatives from several
local companies, government agencies and universities that
involve STEM careers. Pictured are students Ryan Olson, Greta
Schumann, Luke Williams and Ronnie Nova. More photos are
available at www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
The Piano Guys
Highview Middle School and Irondale High School violinists had
the opportunity to experience life on the road as professional
musicians this spring. Students in grades seven to 12 packed up
their instruments and headed to the Northrop Auditorium where they
gathered for an afternoon sound check and on-stage performance
of The Piano Guys.
Back Row: Irondale seniors Angela Vu, Danielle Franke,
sophomores Ping Ping He, Ryan Nguyen, Emily Manning,
juniors Matthew Gunderson and Jimmy Sorenson.
Front Row: seventh-graders William Lin, Giaochau Nguyen
and high school junior Courtney Swanson.
10
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Familiar faces named to new places
Irondale
Pinewood
Scott live in southwest Minneapolis
with their three children, Gabriella
(10), Trek (9) and Tegan (6).
TUR
T
L
LE
KE
LA
DE
N
AKE
IN
K
Amy Janecek was named Irondale
High School principal, succeeding
Eric Nelson.
Amy is an enthusiastic educator
with a broad-based background in
ensuring students are prepared for
post-secondary success. Over the past
two decades, she has held a variety of
positions with Minneapolis Public
Schools including middle school
principal, curriculum leader, social
studies teacher and a coach. Most
recently, Amy served as principal of
Ramsey Middle School in Minneapolis.
She previously was the associate
principal of Wayzata High School for
two years. Prior to this, she served as
the middle grade lead in the Office
of College and Career Readiness
for Minneapolis Public Schools. In
addition, Amy has experience as
an Advanced Placement incentive
program grant coordinator, helping to
increase participation in accelerated
coursework for underrepresented
students in Minneapolis Public
Schools. She also was a coordinator of
open small learning communities and
an educational consultant. Amy holds
a bachelor’s degree in social studies
education and psychology from St. Olaf
College, and she earned her master’s
degree in education and her principal’s
licensure from Saint Mary’s University
of Minnesota. Amy and her husband
ISL AND
Snail Lake
Education Center
RG A RT
E
Kristi Abbott became the new
building principal at Snail Lake
Education Center in June. Prior to
becoming principal of the Island Lake
and Turtle Lake kindergarten centers,
she served as the associate principal at
Turtle Lake Elementary School. She
previously spent 23 years in the North
St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School
District where she was a building and
district leader, teacher, and instructional
coach. Kristi holds a bachelor of arts in
elementary education from the College
of St. Scholastica and a master of arts
from Saint Mary’s University, where
she also completed her K-12 principal
licensure program. Kristi lives in
Vadnais Heights with her husband. She
loves to spend time with her sons and
step daughter (ages 20, 22, and 24).
Andrew Skinner succeeded
Allie Storti as principal of Pinewood
Elementary School.
Andrew brings 12 years of Mounds
View Public Schools experience to
Pinewood. His most recent role in the
District was serving as dean of students
at Edgewood Middle School. For
two years, he served in the associate
principal role at Turtle Lake Elementary
School. He previously spent seven years
teaching English at Edgewood Middle
School. Andrew holds a bachelor’s
degree in English from University
of St. Thomas and earned a master’s
degree in teaching, communication arts
and literature from Bethel University.
He earned his principal licensure
from Hamline University. Andrew’s
father, Dick, served as principal of
Bel Air Elementary School and Turtle
Lake Elementary School before his
retirement in 2010. Andrew lives in
St. Paul with his wife Erica and his two
children, Gwen (4) and Ray (1).
Visit www.moundsviewschools.org to get to know
new principals by watching introduction videos.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
11
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Early Childhood programs
Nearly 250 students enrolled in the District’s 18 pre-kindergarten classes this year,
including Caleigh Sather (pictured). Early childhood programs continue throughout
the summer. Find more information at
www.moundsviewschools.org/earlychildhood.
New to the neighborhood?
We want to add your name to the school
census to ensure that you receive future
information from Mounds View Public
Schools including District news, Early
Childhood Family Education information,
Early Childhood screening information,
kindergarten information and more.
Call us at 651-621-7420.
Early Childhood Screening
Children ages 3.5 to 5 years old should attend
an Early Childhood Screening. The screening is
a quick and simple check of your child’s growth
and development. At the one-hour screening,
a licensed school nurse will check your child’s
hearing, vision, health history, immunizations
and development. Screening can detect possible
health or learning concerns, so that children can
get help before they start kindergarten. Call the appointment desk at
651-621-7420 to schedule your child’s free screening appointment today.
Stay connected
The easiest way to access
Mounds View Public Schools
from your smartphone
or tablet.
Download the new free app for
customizable, mobile-friendly
access to a wealth of information.
Attendance lines
Calendars
Lunch menus
Teacher
websites
SchoolView
Bus status
Available for iPhone and Android
12
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Jackie Robinson
Literacy Program
Members of the Minnesota Twins
diversity program visited Bel Air
Elementary School in March.
Students learned about Jackie
Robinson and the role he played in
breaking through the color line as the
first major league African-American
baseball player. Twins staff read to the
students and challenged them to a
game of Jackie Robinson trivia where
prizes were awarded. At the end of
the assembly the Twins donated 250
free tickets to an upcoming game.
FOLLOW US
Every school in the District
has a Twitter and Facebook
page to connect with the
community. “Like” and follow
Mounds View Public Schools
and specific school pages
on Facebook and Twitter for
timely news.
School
and District
contacts
Food shelf wins
Community Partnership Award
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed
weekdays at Pike Lake
Education Center
in New Brighton to
prepare and deliver
meals for the
Meals on Wheels
Program. If you or
someone you know
is in need of Meals
on Wheels, or you would like to volunteer,
please call 651-621-7431 or e-mail
jeanne.szurek@moundsviewschools.org
for more information.
In April, the City of New Brighton recognized the
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf with the 2015 Community
Partnership Award. The Food Shelf received the
award for helping to create strong community
spirit and neighborhood stabilization. Lisa Baker,
who has served as the program supervisor of the
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf for 18 years and has seen
use of the Food Shelf quadruple while serving in
this role, accepted the award. Approximately 560
families seek assistance each month for an estimated
34,000 pounds of food and other basic needs
including hygiene and baby items.
Need help with school supplies?
The Good Neighbor Back to School
Project takes place this August at
the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Last
year, this annual program provided
school supplies to 925 low income
students throughout Mounds View
Public Schools. Families needing
assistance should contact the food
shelf in early August for more information at 651-621-7451.
School supply donations can be dropped off Monday through
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
at the Pike Lake Education Center, 2101 NW 14th St. New Brighton,
Door 13, Room 22. School supply donations should be received
by Friday, August 19. Most needed items include new larger sized
backpacks, spiral notebooks and pocket folders. Cash donations are also
appreciation, checks can be made out to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.
All donations are tax deductible.
Save the Date
Free Youth
Heart Screen
Saturday, September 17
Mounds View High School
all Mounds View &
♥For
Irondale High School area
students ages 14-18.
& non-medical
♥Medical
volunteers are needed.
Need help with food?
will open
♥Registration
in August.
Are you struggling to make ends meet and need some extra help?
Food Shelf services and programs are available to low income families
and individuals living in the Mounds View Public School District.
For more information call the appointment line at 651-621-7451.
For more information visit
www.playforpatrick.org
Locally grown produce at no cost
Play with Heart Play for Patrick
A free farmer’s market will be held at Pike Lake Education Center
on July 12 and 26 and August 9 and 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
For more information, call 651-621-7451.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
13
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Turtle Lake students head outdoors
An outdoor classroom/amphitheater was a welcome addition
at Turtle Lake Elementary School this year. Volunteers and PTA
funds made the outdoor space a reality. Students began using the
outdoor classroom soon after its completion in May.
Secondary students
host elementary
Robotics Sampler
Chippewa Middle School and Mounds View High
School students encouraged elementary school
students to explore robotics programs this spring.
Students who are part of Mounds View’s Ponytail
Posse First LEGO League Robotics Team and
Chippewa’s FLL Screaming LEGO People Robotics
Team partnered to host a three-week LEGO League
Sampler class for third-graders.
In 2016-2017 teachers will bring students to the outdoor space during
read-aloud time, for classroom presentations and group work, and during
science to enhance environmental learning opportunities.
Virtual field trips take
students around the world
Sunnyside Elementary School was one of only 100 Minnesota
schools to receive a visit from Google this spring. In March, virtual
reality and Google Cardboard took students on field trips to places
they might not otherwise be able to go including an ocean safari
and Chichen Itza.
Mounds View High School students Nancy Koshy and
Sabriyah Taher (left) and Chippewa student Riley Stern
(right) went back to their elementary school to work with
students like third-graders Kamil Kukla and Drew Roloff.
Third-graders worked on research and presentation skills
while learning about the engineering process and how to
build simple machines.
Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/islandlake
to learn more and watch a video.
STAY INFORMED
To subscribe to District and
school e-newsetters, and
receive the latest information
on a variety of topics throughout
the school year, please visit
www.moundsviewschools.org/enews.
14
School Talk SUMMER 2016
WITH HONORS
Junior Achievement Company of the Year
Mounds View High School’s Junior Achievement (JA) Team
Leozarb was named the 2016 Upper Midwest Company of
the Year for developing an interactive ebook for middle grade
students to more effectively learn the Spanish language. Team
Rhidian Tech took second place for developing an app to
simplify flexible scheduling during Mounds View’s ReFLECT
hours. Top teams received post-secondary scholarships
sponsored by the Otto Bremer Trust and went on to compete
Rhidian Tech, including (left to right) David Zheng, Amy Helgeson,
Sam Lerdahl, Jeman Park and Jacob Weightman, were awarded
the FedEx Access Award.
at the National Summit. The Mounds View High School
Junior Achievement Company Program teams were two of
only 15 teams across the country to be invited to the National
Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. in June. Both of the
Mounds View competing teams took home awards. Team
Rhidian Tech won the FedEx Access Award and Team Leozarb
won the E&Y Social Innovation Award.
Leozarb, including (left to right) Madison Wang, Furqan Syed,
Shelley Wang, Maha Syed and Nandini Avula, won the EY Social
Innovation Award.
Women in Computing Award
Teacher of Excellence
Irondale High School senior Fatumastar Adan was among
30 Minnesota high school girls recognized at the fourth
annual Minnesota Aspirations for Women in Computing
awards. Students were chosen to receive the prestigious
honor based on their interests, accomplishments, and
community involvement in computing and technology, as
well as for their aspirations in computing and technologyrelated fields. As a senior, Fatumastar Adan enrolled in
PSEO at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. She graduated
from Irondale in June with her high school diploma as well
as her associate’s degree. While in her final year of high
school, she worked with the Genesys Works program to
intern in the IT department at Target Corporation. Being
the youngest of eight children, Fatumastar is always eager
to have her voice be heard. In the future she wants to
incorporate technology with public health and management
to better women’s lives around the world, and help other
women’s voices be heard.
Mounds View High
School teacher,
Theresa Anderson
(pictured, left, with
Samantha Funk,
Program Manager
at BestPrep), was
honored with a 2016
BestPrep Teacher of
Excellence Award
for her usage of
BestPrep’s programs
to educate students
about business, career
and financial literacy
skills. Of the more than 700 educators that BestPrep works
with each year, Theresa was chosen to receive the award along
with eight other teachers from across Minnesota.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
15
WITH HONORS
Irondale robotics team among the top 25 in the world
Irondale High School’s FIRST Robotics Team 2052,
KnightKrawler, competed with 600 teams from 24 countries at
the FIRST Robotics Championship this spring in St. Louis, Mo.
KnightKrawler participated in the Carson sub-division where 75
teams from USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, China and Turkey
competed. They placed first in their subdivision allowing them
to advance to the Einstein Championship Field. KnightKrawler
was the only team of the 24 Minnesota teams attending FIRST
Champs to make it to Einstein, finishing as one of the top 25
teams overall.
Irondale student Beatrice Gulner with
Andrew Diers, 10,000 Lakes Regional
robot inspector.
State Geography Bee
Chippewa Middle School
seventh-grader Kishanth
Arumugam Balamurugan
placed among the top five
students in the state at the
Minnesota Geography Bee.
National
History Bee
Chippewa students Kishanth Arumugam
Balamurugan, Daniel Kukla, Rishi
Raghavapudi, Shardul Rao, Zack Schulte,
Aryan Sehgal and Elliot Lee made it to the
National History Bee Competition. They
competed at the National competition in
Chicago in June.
16
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Barnes & Noble Favorite Teacher
Paul Gronert, Chippewa Middle School band teacher, was named a
local winner of the 2016 Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest.
An April 17 award ceremony recognized Gronert and the student who
nominated him for the award, Ella Wiggenhorn.
All-State Orchestra
A record-breaking number of Mounds View High School
students were named to the All-State Orchestra this year.
Students who were named to the prestigious orchestra include
ninth-graders Cameron Kolodjski, Michelle Sung and Mayuko
Watson; tenth-graders Collin Frink, Daniel Frink and Andrew
Seong; and 11th-graders Yasmeen Awad, Maxwell Gulli, Lisa
Huang, Gabriel Lee, Alan Wang and Madison Wang.
National Youth Orchestra
selects Mounds View junior
Mounds View High School
junior Lydia Grimes has
been selected for the 2016
National Youth Orchestra of
the United States of America.
Lydia is among three Minnesota
students and only 109 nationwide (ages 16-19) recognized by
Carnegie Hall among the finest
players in the country following
a comprehensive and highly
competitive audition process.
This summer, the National
Youth Orchestra will work with
renowned conductors Christoph
Eschenbach and Valery Gergiev and will collaborate with pianists
Emanuel Ax and Denis Matsuev to host performances in New
York, Amsterdam, Montpellier, Copenhagen and Prague.
SkillsUSA Gold Level
Chapter of Distinction
Mounds View’s SkillsUSA advisor Lynn Nelson was
named National Region IV Advisor of the Year 2016 at
the SkillsUSA State Conference in April. Her team was
recognized as a Gold Level Chapter of Distinction and
Mounds View High School students Kevin Ameyaw,
Rachel Deno, Emma Hoyhtya, Jason Johnson, Ali
Madow and Dante Patnode took first place in various
SkillsUSA state competitions. Lynn and her first-placeteam went on to compete at the SkillsUSA National
Conference in Louisville, Ky, in June. State President
Kevin Ameyaw and State Vice President Jasmine
Yang were also at the National Conference and award
ceremony. At Nationals, Rachel Deno won first place in
Customer Service and Kevin Ameyaw won third place
in the American Spirit competition.
Irondale drumline
among best
in the nation
The Irondale drumline finished seventh
place out of 59 groups in their class at
the Drumline National Championships in
April. The 36-member group is the third
group in Irondale’s history to place in
the top 10 in the country with the 2016
show entitled A Love of Thousands.
Find links to video footage at
www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
17
WITH HONORS
Financial Literacy Award
School of Excellence
Tim Ackerman, economics teacher at Irondale High School, was honored with
BestPrep’s 2016 Larson Financial Literacy Award for usage of BestPrep’s programs
to educate students about business, career and financial literacy skills. Ackerman
has offered BestPrep’s programs to his
students since 2009, specifically utilizing
programs that focus on financial literacy
for post-secondary success. Through the
Financial Matters program, Ackerman has
brought business professionals into the
classroom to talk with students about taxes,
credit, investing and paying for college. He
also helps recruit students at Irondale High
School for Minnesota Business Venture,
where students can spend a week working
on a team to create a business, focusing on
areas of finance, operations and marketing.
Edgewood Middle School has been
named a National Magnet School of
Excellence by Magnet Schools of America,
the national association for magnet and
theme-based schools. Edgewood was
recognized with the top merit award for
student performance in all demographic
groups, integration of STEAM into the
Edgewood program,
innovative
instructional
strategies,
parent
involvement
and community
partnerships.
Mounds View teacher wins
Fund for Teachers grant
Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF), in
partnership with Fund for Teachers (FFT), awarded a FFT
grant to Mounds View High School math and computer
science teacher Kaitie O’Bryan. She will use this grant to
travel to London this summer to take a course on the art
of the Islamic pattern, which is created by using elaborate
geometric designs. From there, she will travel to Southern
Spain to study the Islamic art and architecture from the
Spanish Muslim (Moorish) dynasty. Kaitie will be combining
the study of math, art, and culture and bringing this back to
the classroom.
Teacher of
the Week
KS95 presented early
childhood special
education teacher
Sarah Berg (right) with
the Teacher of the Week
award. She was recognized
at KS95’s 11th annual
awards dinner in late May.
Excellent Educator
WCCO honored Bel Air teacher Debbie Raymond with the
Excellent Educator award during a surprise visit in April.
Watch the video news clip at www.moundsviewschools.org.
Kaitie O’Bryan (center) with Muriel Janneke and Dave Stimpson,
members of the VHACF Advisory Board.
18
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Science Olympiad
state champs
For the third consecutive year,
Chippewa Middle School won
the Science Olympiad State
Championship this
year and went on
to compete at
the national
level.
Mounds View High School’s Science Olympiad team competed at the National Science Olympiad
competition and placed 10th in the nation.
Student artists win awards
Human Rights Commissions
Essay winner
Highview seventh-grader Dianna Cagigas
was awarded first place in the Leagues of
Minnesota Human Rights Commissions
2015-2016 Essay contest. She was asked
to read her essay at a May awards dinner
and received a cash prize of $400.
Irondale student to serve on
Public Safety Commission
The City Council of New Brighton
approved Irondale High School student
George Howard to serve as the student
representative member of the New Brighton
Public Safety Commission. George will
be the first student to serve on a New
Brighton City Commission.
Irondale artists were recognized with a number of awards
during the school year. Student award winners include
Minnesota Scholastic Art Gold Key Award winners Marion
Gary, Michelle Meyer, Danika Soberano and Maddie
Wang. Greta Schumann won Silver Key recognition. Les
Farrington Best 100 Juried Art Competition and $200
Scholarship award winners include Marion Gary, Greta
Schumann and Maddie Wang. Danika Soberano won Les
Farrington Best recognition and a $50 scholarship. Michelle
Meyer, Sarah Wika and Tyler Krohn were Les Farrington
Best 100 winners.
National Econ Challenge Award
Mounds View High
School won second
place in the National
Econ Challenge
Competition.
Award winners from
left to right are David
Zheng, Emily Ruan,
Jacob Weightman and
Sam Rush.
Michelle Meyer’s colored pencil drawing titled “Disneyland” won a
Gold Key Award.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
19
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE
IRONDALE
Athena Award winner
Irondale High School athlete Emily Brandt
was named Athena Award winner for 2016.
The St. Paul Area Athena Awards program
honors 43 young women annually for their
athletic achievements. Emily was selected
for her long list of athletic accomplishments
in tennis and track.
2
1
Lacrosse scholarships
Maya Hernandez and Madeline Hentges
will attend Concordia College of St. Paul in
the fall. Both Maya and Madeline received
scholarships for lacrosse.
Track and field state competitors
1. Lee Waddell placed second in sections and qualified for State
for pole vault.
5
3
2. Julia Hayes was part of the state champion 4x400 meter relay
and placed third in the state in the 100 and 300 hurdles.
3. Adam Kelner, Branden Boleman, Michael Kruse and Ryan
Sully placed second in Sections and Qualified for State in the
4x200 meter relay.
4. Julia Hayes, Liz Axberg, Michelle Meyer and Emily Brandt
were named 4x400 Section Champions. They went on to compete
at state and were named the state champions in the 4x400 meter
relay with a winning time of 3:54:46 which was a new Irondale
High School record.
5. Michelle Meyer qualified for state in the long jump and was
part of the 4x400 meter state champion relay team.
Irondale Knights on Twitter @GoIrondale
facebook.com/IrondaleHighSchool
For the most up-to-date news, visit
the Activities and Athletics website at
www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
20
School Talk SUMMER 2016
Track co-curricular
activities on your
mobile devices.
Search MOUNDS VIEW
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
in the app store.
4
MOUNDS VIEW
Boys’ tennis
The boys’ tennis team won the Section Championship.
Jake Trondson was named the individual Section
Champion. Michael Conlin-Brandenberg and
Sam Hohenshell won the Section in doubles.
Track and field
Calvin Ceganik won
State in pole vault.
Julia Fixsen finished
second in State in
both high jump and
pole vault.
Mounds View High
Calvin Ceganik
School’s boys’ track
team was named
Section True Team Champions.
Julia Fixsen
The girls’ track team was named Suburban East
Conference Champions and Section True Team
Champions. They finished second in State True Team
Meet and competed at the MSHSL State Meet.
Sam Hohenshell
Girls’ golf
Kristen Cash qualified for State, and the
girls’ golf team finished 14th in State.
3 × 4 Award
Seniors Luke
Swenson and Sarah
Ingraham were
recognized with
the 3 × 4 Award for
competing in three
high school sports
for all four years.
Michael ConlinBrandenberg
Jake Trondson
Fine Arts Students
of the Year
Matt St. Martin and Katie
Booth were named Mounds
View High School’s Fine Arts
Students of the Year.
Luke Swenson
Sarah Ingraham
Matt St. Martin
Katie Booth
For the most up-to-date news, visit
the Activities and Athletics website at
www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview.
Athletes of the Year
Kristen Cash (hockey and golf) and Alex Plasencia (cross country,
hockey and track) were named Mounds View High School’s Student
Athletes of the Year. Michael DeGroot (soccer and track) and
Rachel Boyer (soccer and track) were named Athletes of the Year.
Find the Mounds View Mustangs
on Twitter @GoMVMustangs
Follow us on Facebook at
facebook.com/MoundsViewHighSchool
Track co-curricular activities
on your mobile devices.
Search MOUNDS VIEW
PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the
app store.
Kristen Cash
Alex Plasencia
Michael DeGroot
Rachel Boyer
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
21
CLASS OF 2016
Mounds View Public
Schools has a goal of
preparing all students
for opportunities of their
choice after high school.
Ensuring that all students have an opportunity to pursue postsecondary success involves a promise the District calls the
Equity Promise. The Equity Promise aims to disrupt systematic
patterns associated with race, socio-economic status, gender and
disabilities to provide equal opportunities for success for every
Mounds View Public Schools student.
This spring, seniors from Irondale High School in New
Brighton and Mounds View High School in Arden Hills
received Equity Promise Scholarships acknowledging their
achievements during high school and supporting their
educational goals post-high school. Funded in part by the
Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, this unique
award recognizes a broad range of students who have
demonstrated success in their high school journey through a
variety of ways. Recipients have demonstrated academic growth
and sustained participation in activities throughout high school.
Some may aspire to be the first in their families to attend a
technical college, two-year college or four-year university. All
will have overcome challenges, displayed perseverance and
exhibited grit along the way.
Mounds View Public Schools would like to thank the
donors who contribute to Equity Promise Scholarships. These
donors and their contributions reinforce the Equity Promise
and give deserving students a chance to pursue post-secondary
continued education.
Irondale High School Class of 2016
916 Education Foundation
Kayla Ortt
Eggert Family Dentistry
Kayla Ortt
Bailiff Memorial Scholarship
Katherine Barcenas
Adam Hassan
Tenzin Lodhen
Diaria McCoy
Samara Montoya
Aldijana Rahic
Enterprise Scholar
Joseph Jankowski
Claire Jensen
Beisswenger’s
Dylan Prince
The Caldwell Scholarship of
N. Suburban Golden K Kiwanis
Sarah Anderson
Chalkboard Capers
Justin Beeksma
Andrew Eichten
Danielle Franke
Nicole Kern
Madeline Lawrence
Kyle Mack
Fridley American Legion,
Post 303
Miranda Korzenowski
Secret Moua
Juan Uribe Tellez
Brooke Volkert
Irondale H.S. Student Council
Emily Brandt
Irondale Staff
Carina Anderson
Claire Jensen
Jeremy Wilcox Memorial
Ryan Schicker
Jodi M.K. Memorial
Jack Grahek
The Comstock Scholarship of
N. Suburban Golden K Kiwanis
Emily Brandt
Kirk & Elizabeth Wheeler
Foundation
Kendra Nelson
DLML Foundation
Robert Gabler
Emily King
Ryan Schicker
John Schroeder
Bryant Wong
Kopp Family Foundation
Julene Hawkins
Edwina Massaly
Tessa Pichotta
22
School Talk SUMMER 2016
LifeTouch
Wali Mahmood
Danika Soberano
New Brighton Fraternal Order
of Eagles, Auxilliary No. 3718
Hodan Hachi
Marie Greenwald Memorial
Andrea Manning
New Brighton Lions
Jayden Alstad
Hang Dinh
Jonathan Fluth
Julia Maras
Chor Moua
Jenna Nelson
Kayla Ortt
Angela Vu
Sarah Wika
Medtronic Scholar
Fatuma Adan
Memorial Blood Center
Brett Burbank
Emma Paulsen
Mounds View Community Theater
Gwyneth Allen
Mounds View Lions –
Waste/Witte
Aleksandra Bajer
Sydnee Ceballos
Orianna Olson
Mounds View Schools
Education Foundation
Timothy Axberg
Charlie (Christina) Baca
Brittany Harren
Vanessa Larson
Cha Leng Lor
Eliajiah Meeks
Maimouna Mohammed
Shane Morgan
Makayla Petkovsek
New Brighton/
Mounds View Rotary
Louis Meysembourg
Ronald Nova
Irondale H.S. Student Council
Jack Grahek
Tallman Math/Science
Laura Miller
Tom Mischke Memorial
Chase Drill
Wallin Scholar
Salma Mohamed
Lara Sykes
Class of 2016
post-secondary plans:
Work/
Apprentice 2.5%
Undecided/
Other 7.2%
College 88.4%
Military 1.9%
Rosa Gonzales, Nelson Espinoza
and Litzy Cerda-Coronado were
among 410 students who made
up the Irondale High School
2016 graduating class.
Jack Grahek, one of the
senior class presidents,
graduated with highest
honors and with an
AA degree from his
participation in the Early
College program. Jack
will attend University of
Wisconsin, Madison, in
the fall. Class of 2016 Highest Honors
Danielle Franke........................St. Mary’s University
Callie Glanton..........................Harvey Mudd College
Jack Grahek.............................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madeline Hentges....................Concordia University, St. Paul
Raeann Hill..............................University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
Christine Huyett........................University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Joseph Jankowski.....................Bethel University
Claire Jensen............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Madeline Lawrence..................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jayden Alstad...........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
David McLernon.......................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Carina Anderson.......................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Laura Miller..............................University of St. Thomas
Sarah Anderson.......................Gustavus Adolphus College
Emma Mullen...........................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Aleksandra Bajer...................... University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Orianna Olson..........................University of Rochester
Ransom Bergen........................Westmont College
Michelle O’Rourke....................University of Minnesota, Morris
Mikael Bernard........................American University
Emma Simoke..........................Anoka Ramsey Community College
Emily Brandt............................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lara Sykes...............................University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Veronica Brandvold..................University of Minnesota, Duluth
Steven Truong...........................Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sabrina Chu.............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Angela Vu.................................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Elyssa Edgeton.........................Vanderbilt University
Allison Willner..........................College of St. Scholastica
Andrew Eichten........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Bryant Wong.............................University at Buffalo, SUNY
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
23
CLASS OF 2016
Mounds View High School Class of 2016
Nathaniel Johns Memorial
David Eldridge
Francis Floeder
Olivia Fuerstenberg
Danielle Martini
Lauren Wikstrom
American Legion Fridley
Gaedy Bindoula
Grant Delaune
Natasha Krizan
Pada Xiong
Arden Hills Rotary
James Hayden
Kopp Family Foundation
Jeziel DeJesus-Vega
Lyndon Hills
Laura Oh
Ashbach Family Foundation
Connor Nelson
Bailiff Memorial
Tyler Fairchild
Emad Qamhieh
Joseph F. Kunze
William Newhouse
Mounds View Alumni Association
Katherine Karjalahti
Beisswenger
Joanna Liu
Alyssa Stamper and Zoe Randall were among 400 Mounds View
High School seniors to celebrate graduation in June.
Senior Class Officer Etisha
Punia graduated with highest
honors and will attend
University of Minnesota,
Twin Cities, in the fall.
Mustang Club
Kevin Ameyaw
Jericho Von Brugger
New Brighton Lions Club
Victor Anderson
Nathan Corcoran
Samuel Hohenshell
Nicole Martin
Etisha Punia
Annika Westlund
Jasmine Yang
Brandon Carlson Memorial
James Hahn
Benjamin Keillor
Seth McDougall
Chalkboard Capers
Trygve Eggen
Chandler Hong
Daniel Johnson
Elda Mesfin
Alicia Ogard
Joanna Torres
Eagles #3718
Christopher Jenkins
Eggert Family Dentistry
Rachel Monks
24
School Talk Mounds View Basketball
Association
Calli Jo Bordsen
William Howlett
Jacob Moberg
Zoe Randall
Mounds View Community Theater
Morgan Doble
Mounds View Schools
Education Foundation
Matthew Cooper
Alex Jiang
Jeffrey LeMay
Emily Ruan
Furqan Syed
Tiffany Tran
Nathan Van Beusekom
SUMMER 2016
Don Segner Memorial
Gretchen Glewwe
Student Council
Joseph Caughey
Vadnais Foundation
Benjamin Kottke
Viewettes
Allyson Hakes
Wallin Education Partner –
Enterprise Scholar
Hans Adamsson
Wallin Education Partner –
Medtronic Scholar
Hudson Shih
Wallin Education Partner –
Wallin Scholar
Laura Berglund
Michael Brown
Thank You
Jessica Grace Malong
Jacob Zastrow
More memories here
Go online to see
more from the
Irondale and
Mounds View
classes of 2016:
•Watch the ceremonies
•Browse the photo albums
•Read the commencement
programs
Class of 2016 Highest Honors
Laura Berglund.........................Macalester College
Molly McCann..........................Bethel University
Grant Delaune..........................University of California, Los Angeles
William Newhouse....................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Brandon Duffy..........................Harvard College
Alex Plasencia..........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Molly Fennig.............................Swarthmore College
Etisha Punia.............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Francis Floeder.........................University of St. Thomas
Erick Reim................................Boston College
Isabella Haak...........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Carter Rholl..............................Washington University in St. Louis
Henry Henson..........................St. Olaf College
Katie Riedel.............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Emily Heuring...........................University of Southern California
Emily Ruan...............................Stanford University
Eva Hoffman............................Stanford University
Samuel Rush...........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Brandon Hoglund.....................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Holden Schmidt.......................Washington University in St. Louis
Samuel Hohenshell..................St. Olaf College
Kevin Shen...............................University of California, Los Angeles
Olivia Holstine..........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Hudson Shih............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Isaac Jauch..............................Valparaiso University
Noah Somberg.........................Brandeis University
Alexander Jiang........................University of California, Berkeley
Anna Swensen.........................Bethel University
Daniel Johnson........................Carleton College
Furqan Syed.............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Persis Ke..................................New York University
Bailey Thompson......................Bethel University
Jennifer Kelley..........................Saint Joseph’s University
Tiffany Tran...............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Yue Ning Li...............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jacob Weightman.....................Macalester College
Joanna Liu...............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jacob Zastrow..........................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Class of 2016 post-secondary plans:
Undecided/Other 3.3%
Work/Apprentice 3%
Military 1.4%
College 92.4%
Annalee Blake received the Principal’s Award during the 2016
commencement ceremony. The Principal's Award honors the
achievements and honor of the student who exemplifies the school’s
highest education goals and represents the finest qualities of the
graduating class. Annalee graduated with honors.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
25
CLASS OF 2016
Adult Education
The Adult Education graduating class
included 182 students who received a
General Equivalency Degree (GED) and
20 students who received high school
diplomas.
Class of 2028
Danny Williams, Ahmed Wazwaz,
Jasmyne Marshall, Khampha
Keodouangdy, Elba Hernandez, Dulce
Garcia-Leal, Elizabeth Dominguez and
Dah Dah were among the students
who participated in the graduation
ceremony on June 9 at the Mounds View
Community Center.
Area Learning Center
The Area Learning
Center class of
2016 included 68
students. Graduates
received diplomas at
a June 2 ceremony
at Bethel University.
The following students
received scholarships
to be used for postsecondary education.
Nearly 500 graduating kindergarten students
celebrated with kindergarten commencement
ceremonies at the Pike Lake Education Center
on June 8 and 9.
Ridwan Muse (Chalkboard Capers), Emma Stenerson (Curtin Memorial
Scholarship), Jesse Bush (Destination Education), Jordan Hughes (Cox
Memorial Scholarship), and Mariah Sherman (Cox Memorial Scholarship).
REACH
On June 7, REACH announced the following
students as graduates during a ceremony at
REACH Academy.
REACH Academy
Skyllar Bilges Klave
REACH Transition Program
Preston Cameron, Kevin John Carroll, Tiara Monet Creighton, Tricia Dotte,
Michael Davis Gilbertson, Sophia Danielle Goetz, Samantha Herman,
Keyana Jean Johnson, Nicholas Peter Maki, Steven L. Noakes, Austin
James Pratt, Kaylee Jean Sigsworth, Paul Vo, Shane Jon Wilson, Hanna
Anderson, Shana M. Dotte, Marcellous Celeste Lyons, Kah’leb Jeremiah
Roberts, and Na’Kiera Lanae Williams.
26
School Talk SUMMER 2016
More than 300 students from the kindergarten
centers at Snail Lake Education Center
celebrated the completion of kindergarten with
ceremonies at Mounds View High School and
Island Lake Elementary June 8 and 9.
Pictured: Turtle Lake kindergarten student
Natalia Hamilton.
2016-17 BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
KINDERGARTEN
CENTERS
Open Houses
Pike Lake Education Center
Pinewood &
Valentine Hills families
August 31
4 – 5 p.m.
Bel Air &
Sunnyside families
August 31
6 – 7 p.m.
Snail Lake Education Center
Island Lake &
Turtle Lake families
August 30
4 – 6 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Bel Air
August 31............ 4 – 7 p.m.
PARENT INFORMATION/
MEET YOUR TEACHER
MEET & GREET CONFERENCES
August 31
September 1......................... 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1st grade..............10 – 11 a.m. or 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
September 28....................... 4:20 – 7:20 p.m.
2nd & 3rd grade...11 – 11:45 a.m. or 5:15 – 6 p.m.
October 6.............................. 4:20 – 7:20 p.m.
4th & 5th grade....12 – 12:45 p.m. or 6:15 – 7 p.m.
LAURENTIAN CHAPERONE MEETING
August 31...............................7 – 7:45 p.m.
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PLAN MEETINGS
September 1...........................8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
September 8 ..........................4 – 8 p.m.
Irondale
PICTURE DAY &
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE DAY
August 25...........10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
September 1........... 9 – 10 a.m.
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
EARLY GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
September 15.........................4 – 7 p.m.
Mounds View
SCHEDULE PICKUP
August 25...............10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
9TH GRADE PARENT MEETING
August 30..................... 6 – 7 p.m.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
September 19............... 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Area Learning Center
OPEN HOUSE
August 31......................... 2 – 7 p.m.
Check school websites for more
information and to see the 2016-2017
school supply lists.
September 1........9 – 10 a.m.
5 – 6 p.m.
GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
Turtle Lake
MEET YOUR TEACHER NIGHT
August 31
Incoming first grade students.............3:45 p.m.
Last names A – L................................4:15 p.m.
Last names M – Z...............................5:15 p.m.
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHTS
1st grade....... September 27.........6 – 7 p.m.
2nd grade...... October 6................5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
3rd grade....... September 22.........6 – 7 p.m.
4th grade....... October 6................6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
5th grade....... September 22.........7 – 8 p.m.
EARLY GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
September 1............................ 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Valentine Hills
PARENT INFORMATION/
MEET YOUR TEACHER
August 31
September 19...................5 – 5:30 p.m.
September 19...................5:30 – 8 p.m.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
September 15....................... 4 – 7 p.m.
Island Lake
SENIOR PARENT MEETING
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Sunnyside
September 1......................... 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
September 1...........................10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Pinewood
1st grade................. 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
2nd grade................ 1:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
3rd grade................. 2 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Chippewa
4th grade................. 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
August 25
5th grade................. 3 p.m. or 7 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE................... 2 – 7 p.m.
Note: the building will be closed between 4 and 5 p.m.
MEET YOUR TEACHER.... 4 – 7 p.m.
IN THE MIDDLE DAY for 6th graders only
September 6
Highview
HAWK PRIDE CELEBRATION
Edgewood
August 24............... 5 – 7 p.m.
ALL SCHOOL ORIENTATION
HAWK PRIDE WELCOME BACK DAY
August 26............... 7 – 10 a.m.
August 24............................. 1 – 7 p.m.
BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC
AND ALL SCHOOL ORIENTATION
IN THE MIDDLE DAY for 6th graders only
and new 7th and 8th grade students to Highview
August 29............................. 4 – 7:30 p.m.
September 6
IN THE MIDDLE DAY for 6th graders only
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
September 6
September 15....................... 6 – 8 p.m.
SUMMER 2016 School Talk
27
N
O
S
d
3r
A
SE
Music
Mounds View
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Independent School District 621
350 Highway 96 West
Shoreview, MN 55126-1951
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT NO 4112
at
Mounds
View
Music at Mounds View is a professional
concert series that brings high-caliber,
nationally recognized artists into our
community for public performances at
Mounds View High School.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
8 p.m.
THE TAMBURITZANS
Pittsburgh based Tamburitzans is a
32-member ensemble of young dancers
and musicians presenting music from
around the world. An international
sensation, the group performs a high
energy show for the entire family.
Join us for our exciting third season!
Season pass and single event tickets are available at the door or online at
www.moundsviewschools.org/musicatmoundsview. All performances are
held at Mounds View High School, 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
2 p.m.
SYMPHONIC WINDS
FESTIVAL
Minnesota Symphonic Winds,
directed by Dr. Timothy Mahr, and
the North Dakota State University
Wind Symphony, directed by
Dr. Warren Olfert.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
7 p.m.
MARCOUX CORNER
This four piece A Cappella group
combines over 20 years of voice
lessons and vocal study at one of the
country’s most prestigious colleges for
vocal performance, Concordia College
in Moorhead. The sound they produce
when they join in harmony will make
you rethink your attitude about music.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
2 p.m.
JUSTIN ROBERTS
AND THE NOT READY
FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS
Two-time GRAMMY Nominated Roberts
is truly one of the “all-stars” of the indie
family music scene. Along with his band,
The Not Ready for Naptime Players, he’s
travelled the globe, from Hong Kong to
New York, and Miami to Seattle.